Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that Smriti Van will be developed on 300 hectacres on Katara hills here where people will be able to plant saplings to perpetuate memories of their dear ones. Chouhan was addressing the launch ceremony of State-level Hariyali Mahotsav at Dronachalam Parisar here on Thursday.
The Chief Minister administered pledge to the audience to plant at least one sapling each every year. He launched the Mahotsav by planting a bamboo sapling. Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar and Panchayats and Rural Development Minister and in-charge of Bhopal district Gopal Bhargava were also present on the occasion.
Chouhan said that tradition to start Government programmes by planting a sapling will be promoted. He said that nature should be tapped and not exploited. Problems like global warming have cropped up as a result of wanton exploitation of nature by human beings. Plants and trees are vital for life.
Bamboo Mission has been launched to augment forests in the state. He said that Shaurya Smarak is being constructed to inspire for patriotism and state government has launched Maa Tujhe Pranam Yojana.
The Minister Shejwar said that objective of Hariyali Mahotsav is to create awareness vis-à-vis preservation of forests and environment. Today, block-district level plantation programmes are being held by over 15,000 forest committees throughout the State. About seven crore saplings will be planted in a fortnight during Hariyali Mahotsav, he added.
Minister Gopal Bhargava said that Madhya Pradesh is known for its thick forests. Protection of plants is as important as country’s defence. Saplings will be planted under rural development schemes in coordination with Forest Department.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anil Oberoi informed about the programme. lt Gen RV Kanitkar delivered the welcome address. MlA Rameshwar Sharma was also present. Students and soldiers of Army planted saplings. RK Sachdeva proposed a vote of thanks.